Helicopter spraying power lines

[Grouser]

I was down on the coast at Caleta de Velez in the late summer and noticed a small helicopter. It was going along the power lines from pylon to pylon, hovering dangerously close and appeared to be spraying the ceramic insulators with something, using a long lance. Anybody got any idea what was going on?

[gretch]

Hi Grouser

They’re cleaning them, as dirt builds up on the insulators, current can track down them, causing obvious problems. This is a much quicker and cheaper method than having someone climb up the pylon to clean them manually. The same thing goes on in Britain.

[Grouser]

Thanks for that Gretch. Never knew it happened in UK either. I guess I just don't get out and about enough.